Job Description

Cook – Food and Nutrition

Cook in Palmer, MA | Baystate Health Careers

Department: Food and Nutrition

Location: Baystate Wing Hospital, Palmer, Massachusetts

Job Type: Full-Time

Shift: Rotating

Make an Impact with Baystate Health

Baystate Health is seeking a Cook to join our Food & Nutrition team at Baystate Wing Hospital in Palmer, Massachusetts. Our Food & Nutrition team plays an essential role in supporting patients, visitors, and staff by preparing nutritious, high-quality meals in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

The Cook role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the patient experience while working as part of a collaborative team dedicated to food quality, safety, and exceptional service. This position is ideal for individuals who take pride in their culinary skills and enjoy contributing to a healthcare environment where the work they do directly supports patient care.

The Cook Will:

• Prepares and cooks food according to established recipes, menus, production schedules, and quality standards to ensure nutritious and appealing meals are available to patients, staff, and visitors.
• Follows standardized recipes and portion-control guidelines to maintain consistency, quality, and appropriate nutritional requirements.
• Prepares meals and modified diets according to patient needs and established dietary guidelines, paying close attention to special diets and food restrictions.
• Maintains high standards of food safety, sanitation, and personal hygiene in accordance with hospital policies and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Operates, cleans, and maintains kitchen equipment safely and efficiently, reporting equipment concerns or maintenance needs as appropriate.
• Monitors food temperatures and follows proper food handling, storage, labeling, and sanitation procedures to promote patient and food safety.
• Works collaboratively with Food & Nutrition Services team members to meet meal production schedules and ensure timely delivery of meals and services.
• Maintains an organized, clean, and efficient work area and assists with additional food service duties as needed to support department operations and patient satisfaction.

Schedule Details

• Job Type: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week
• Shift: Rotating
• Hours: Between 5am-6pm
• Schedule: 8-hour shifts
• Weekend Requirement: Rotating Weekends
• Other Scheduling Requirements: Rotating Holidays

Benefits That Support You

At Baystate Health, you get the best of both worlds: the resources, stability, and career opportunities of a large integrated healthcare system with the supportive culture of a community-focused organization.

Depending on eligibility, benefits may include:

• Competitive Pay & Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, including local Health New England plans.
• Tuition & Training: Tuition assistance, CEUs, and professional development opportunities.
• Career Growth: Clinical advancement, leadership development, and internal career opportunities.
• Regional Opportunities: Career options across Baystate Health hospitals, practices, and services throughout western Massachusetts.
• Sign-On Bonuses: If applicable, Sign-On bonuses are paid to external hires only and are not applicable to internal or company transfers, unless otherwise specified. Former employees are eligible after one-year post-separation from Baystate Health
• Retirement: Retirement savings and employer match.
• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO for eligible employees.

About Baystate Health

Baystate Health is an integrated healthcare system serving patients and communities throughout western Massachusetts. Our network includes Baystate Medical Center, Baystate Children's Hospital, Baystate Noble Hospital, Baystate Franklin Medical Center, Baystate Wing Hospital, Baystate Medical Practices, and Baystate Home Health & Hospice.

Whether you provide direct patient care, clinical services, or operational support, your work at Baystate Health helps improve the health of the communities we serve.

Required Skills

• Cook I: 2-4 years experience in the food industry with experience in short order, line cook, and prep functions.
• Cook II: 5 years of cooking experience, especially back-of-house, in a restaurant, hospital, or institutional food service.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• ServSafe Food Handlers Certificate

Start Your Career at Baystate Health

You Belong at Baystate.

Education:

GED or HiSET

Certifications:

ServSave Food Handlers Certified - ServSafe National Restaurant AssociationServSafe National Restaurant AssociationServSafe National Restaurant Association

Compensation

Note: The compensation range(s) in the table below represent the base salaries for all positions at a given grade across the health system. Typically, a new hire can expect a starting salary somewhere in the lower part of the range. Actual salaries may vary by position and will be determined based on the candidate's relevant experience. No employee will be paid below the minimum of the range. Pay ranges are listed as hourly for non-exempt employees and based on assumed full time commitment for exempt employees.

Minimum - Midpoint - Maximum

$19.29 - $23.03 - $28.08

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Baystate Health is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.